Features

Dates set for LA 2028 Olympics

The 2028 summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles will take place from July 14-30, with the opening ceremony to be co-hosted by the LA Memorial Coliseum and SoFi Stadium.

The Paralympics will follow from August 15-28. The dates for the two events were confirmed yesterday (Monday) as International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach visited the Californian city to meet with organisers.

Los Angeles will become the second city, after London, to host the Olympics three times having done so in 1932 and 1984. It will be the first time the city has staged the Paralympics.

The Games will use existing stadiums and venues across the wider Los Angeles region, in line with the IOC’s plans to stage more sustainable and fiscally responsible events. Around 15,000 athletes are expected to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics.

As well as the Coliseum and SoFi Stadium, LA 2028 venues will include Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center), Dignity Health Sports Park, Banc of California Stadium, LA Convention Center, Microsoft Theater, Honda Center, Rose Bowl Stadium and the Kia Forum.

Bach said: “I have been really impressed by the progress and creativity of the LA28 team. From the very start, the LA28 project has embedded the essence of Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms in everything they do.

“They are using the power of the Olympic Games to inspire young people to get involved in sport, and we are very proud of LA28’s investment of $160m (£133m/€156m) in support of youth sports in Los Angeles. Six years before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, this is already a significant Games legacy, making a difference in the lives of over a hundred thousand children.

“It will help to bring new fans to Olympic sport and leave a sporting legacy for generations to come. When the LA28 Games begin on 14 July 2028, I know that those children like all the citizens of Los Angeles will be inspired by having the world’s best athletes competing in an Olympic Games at home in their own city.”

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti added: “With set dates in hand, Los Angeles is ready and excited to host the Olympics for the third time and the Paralympics for the first time in history.

“The Games represent a once in a lifetime opportunity for LA – a bold investment throughout our communities with equity and progress as the main focus. This will bring vast opportunity into every corner of the city ensuring a lasting legacy for future generations of Angelenos.”

The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in the French capital of Paris.

Image: BP Miller on Unsplash